Yankee Blake flattens young Russian

SAP Open James Blake pushed aside Russian Igor Kunitsyn during two uneventful sets tonight here at the SAP Open.

The American used his all-court game, a strong serve and quick legs to dismantle Kunitsyn 6-3, 6-2 in just 52 minutes. The performance boosted the spirits of a weary Blake fresh off the plane after defeating the Czech Republic in a Davis Cup match. Equally fatigued teammate Andy Roddick also notched an easy win earlier Wednesday night.

"I think I played pretty well," Blake said, during a press conference. He added that the SAP Open hard-court surface played very fast – a possible edge for both him and Roddick in the tournament.

The SAP Open brings together a handful of the world's top men tennis players and a number of up-and-comers. Those of you not able to catch the Silicon Valley tournament live can watch the action on the web.

The 84th ranked Kunitsyn displayed brief – very brief – flashes of brilliance. He hits one of the flattest, most powerful backhands you'll see and a forehand with just a touch of topspin. These flat strokes crumbled early and often with plenty of balls diving into the net at inopportune moments.

You got the feeling that Kunitsyn could be a real menace on a perfect day with his deep, heavy shots. But, without such perfection Wednesday, the Russian made far too many errors to have a chance at pressuring a top player such as Blake.

Following the match, Blake sported an icepack around his right wrist and complained of some tendonitis. The player, however, felt like the injury is improving.